February 2018

From the Chair: School Counselor Resources for College and Career Readiness

By Beth Jenkins

Florida school counselors have many powerful college and career development tools available. We can use the websites and documents linked below to enhance the school counseling toolbox as we work to meet the college, career and future planning needs of elementary, middle and high school students and families.

MyCareerShines
This comprehensive education and career planning system is a part of the FloridaShines services hub, the Florida Department of Education’s planning and education portal. MyCareerShines is an engaging and interactive platform that guides students as they explore career pathways and postsecondary options based on their interests, values and abilities. Students can use various inventories, research financial aid opportunities, and use the College & Career Planner. Student accounts remain active year to year. It is free and geared toward middle and high school students.

LaunchMyCareerFLLaunchMyCareerFL is a free, interactive site developed in cooperation with the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Strada and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This new tool helps students explore college majors and jobs using current data from Florida training programs, colleges, and universities. The website provides valuable information for students as they have conversations about postsecondary options, future well-paying jobs, and career goals.

Additional Resources for Elementary Students
Elementary school counselors introduce students to careers and the world of work. Explore this link to find games, books and lessons to help elementary students explore the career domain. And remember, there is always Pinterest for ideas on lessons, groups, and creative school-wide events to promote college and career readiness.

I would love to hear how you use these resources or others to connect students and families to future college and career options.